Day 5: San Gimignano to Gracciano

When preparing for this trip, one of my worries was needing to speak Italian, on the phone, without assistance. That opportunity came last night when I called ahead to book tonight’s stay. At the start of the phone call, I asked (in Italian) if the priest spoke English. I was expecting a cheerful “Why of course” or at least a “un po” (“a little bit”). Instead I received a definite “no”.I panicked, and then quickly forged ahead:

To my utter surprise, the priest seemed to understand without hesitation. He took my name, confirmed the reservation and said “A domani” (See you tomorrow). Okay…so maybe it wasn’t quite Rocket Science, but I was immensely proud!

More good news – Richard’s cold is slowly getting better. Even more noteworthy, the overall inflammation that has plagued his joints, muscles and tendons for the past nine months seems to be subsiding. His body has not felt this good since last September. Maybe it’s a coincidence, or perhaps the old saying is true: “Motion is the Magic Lotion!”

We are currently planning on a very short walking day tomorrow. Here are a few pics from today.

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35 Replies to “Day 5: San Gimignano to Gracciano”

Glad to read your Italian has paid off, Donna! Impressive! Bummer about Richard’s cold, but so glad he is better. I suppose leisure will heal faster than anything else. Just a not to mention that my surgery went very well yesterday and I am now enjoying some downtime at home. Hate the crutches so I ordered a knee scooter, and my daughter is driving up from San Diego for a few days to lend me a hand. Keep on trekking, the weather looks lovely!

Congratulations on the Italian, the healing, everything! And thank you for taking the time to blog and share the wonderful photos. The one crossing the stream is my favourite – reminds me of the type of walking I love best, on trails!

I am so impressed that you not only spoke Italian well enough to be understood but you also understood the reply. You obviously benefited from you pre-hike lessons. Good to know that Richard is feeling better. I hope the pain from inflammation is a thing of the past!

Thank you for helping me learn Italian😂. Since there was no translation for the phrases you used with the non English speaking Padre, I had to do some research and if forced me to work and use my brain. As a teacher, you may have intended that outcome ha ha. Well, i learned something and glad things are going well on this trip.

Oh well done you! I remember our first trip to Italy, Mike (who is fluent in Italian) made me go into a bank and ask for a cash advance on my credit card. I stood in line practicing over and over the sentences but when I got to the teller I just handed him the credit card and went blank! Fortunately I could converse with Mike’s relatives who were very patient with me. xx

Hi, Joanne – Needing to communicate in Italian, on the phone, was one of my biggest fears for this trip. If Hot Yoga has taught me anything, we have nothing to fear but fear itself (and of course spiders and snakes)! 🙂

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Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.